MTB FAQs

Do you have questions about our MTB Program or wondering which level to register your rider? Check out our FAQ!
Groms is our beginner level program which focuses on the fundamentals of mountain biking. Riders will find more confidence on their bike by developing skills such as proper body positioning, brake modulation, and efficient gear changing. Learn the basics of how to turn on flat corners and berms as well as begin to navigate on trail obstacles such as rocks and roots. If you are excited about discovering the world of mountain biking, then this is the perfect program for you!Shredders is our intermediate level program which focuses on further developing the riders’ skills on varieties of new terrain. Riders will learn how to jump, pump, choose the right line through technical sections, proper body positioning, hill climbing and to shred flat corners and berms. Shredders will ride on green and blue level trails and work through several drills and exercises that will help take their riding to the next level!Senders is our advanced level program designed to provide eager riders a chance to keep developing their skills and push their riding abilities further! Riders in this program will be using their skills to go faster, higher, further and bigger on the awesome blue and black diamond trails Port Alberni has to offer. Riders will work through a variety of race specific drills and exercises which will progress their skills to become a faster and smoother on your bike. Whether you want to compete in the growing race scene on Vancouver Island or you want ride challenging features with confidence, then this program is for you. This program is for ADVANCED RIDERS only.

Groms are 5 to 12 years old.


Shredders are 7 to 13 years old.


Senders are 9 to 16 years old.
Groms

  • Has some road and trail riding experience

  • Ability to stand while pedaling

  • Able to use brakes

  • Able to ride down small hills and some uneven ground

Shredders

  • Has trail riding experience

  • Can ride on beginner and intermediate trails

  • Able to use front and back brakes

  • Able to ride over roots, rocks, and small jumps

  • Can ride up hills without support

  • Able to turn on flat corners and berms at medium speeds

  • Can ride through a variety of different trails with some confidence

Senders

  • Is an experienced mountain biker

  • Can ride expert level trails

  • Is able to ride jumps, rolls, drops and technical features

  • Can pedal uphill medium to long distances without support

  • Able to ride technical trails with confidence

  • Has enrolled in our programs previously
Groms

  • Basic braking knowledge

  • Basic gear chnaging knowledge

  • Basic understanding of how to balance on a bike

  • Wants to learn the basics of the sport

  • Understands basic parts of the bike

  • Able to pedal without assistance

Shredders

  • Has a decent understanding of front and back brake usage

  • Knows how to change gears effectively

  • Has an understanding of jumping, cornring, pumping and climbing

  • Wants to learn new and exciting skills and elevate riding abilities

  • Has an understanding of components and their use on the bike

  • Understands body position

Senders

  • Has a strong understanding of mountain biking

  • Strong understanding of body position

  • Strong understanding of brake control and modulation

  • Is driven to develop and progress as a mountain biker

  • Has a strong understanding of components and their use on the bike

  • Has a strong understanding of riding technical features and obstacles

  • Understands line choices
Groms Shredders Senders
**ALL LEVELS - Please dress for the weather and have riders arrive in clothes that can get wet and muddy, and keep riders warm in cold weather*
Required

  • Helmet - Helmet loaning options available! See down further in our FAQ for more on helmet rentals!

  • Closed toe shoes and athletic clothing

  • Water bottle with your name on it and snack

  • Spare tube (must fit the rider's tyre)


Recommended or Optional

  • Riding gloves

  • Small backpack with your name on it

  • Extra clothes (weather dependent)


Required

  • Helmet - Full-faced helmet borrowing available! See down further in our FAQ for more on helmet rentals!

  • Closed toe shoes and athletic clothing

  • Water bottle with your name on it and snack

  • Spare tube (must fit the rider's tyre)


Recommended or Optional

  • Riding gloves

  • Small backpack with your name on it

  • Full-faced Helmet - Full-faced helmet borrowing available! See down further in our FAQ for more on helmet rentals!

  • Knee pads and long socks

  • Extra clothes (weather dependent)

Required

  • Full-faced helmet *MANDATORY - Full-faced helmet borrowing available! See down further in our FAQ for more on helmet rentals!

  • Closed toe shoes and athletic clothing

  • Riding gloves

  • Knee pads, long socks or pants

  • Water bottle with your name on it and snack

  • Spare tube (must fit the rider's rim/tyre)


Recommended or Optional

  • Small backpack with your name on it

  • Extra clothes (weather dependent)
Full face helmets are available to Alberni Trail Riding Program participants to borrow for the duration of the participants trail riding program or camp. Full-face helmets borrowed for Alberni Trail Riding Programs, are to be picked up and dropped off by the rider’s parent/guardian at Echo Centre (4255 Wallace Street, Monday to Friday 9:00am-4:00pm). Borrowed helmets must be returned to Echo Centre within 3-days of the last day of the participant’s program or camp or a $175 Administration Fee will be deducted from the rider’s parent/guardian’s credit card on account.

 There is no rental fee for the use of the helmets as our goal is to provide a safer riding experience for all riders in the Alberni Trail Riding Programs. Please ensure that care and safe keeping of this helmet while it is in your possession. This includes ensuring that mud and dirt are wiped off and it is stored in a location that will allow it to fully dry.

 If you have any questions regarding this helmet policy or how to properly use a full-face helmet, please contact Dave Osborne, Recreation Programmer at 250-720-2525 or [email protected].